The Trump administration has entered into a series of Interagency Agreements (IAAs) to shift federally funded education programs away from the U.S. Department of Education and into other federal agencies. These actions are being taken administratively — not through congressional authorization — and risk disrupting the delivery of critical education programs.
As the Senate considers the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations package, Congress has an opportunity to ensure that education programs remain at the Department of Education, consistent with congressional intent and longstanding practice.
Why This Matters
The Department of Education administers complex statutory programs that rely on:
- Specialized education expertise
- Established oversight, compliance, and data systems
- Long-standing relationships with states, institutions, and students
Shifting these programs to other federal agencies through IAAs risks unnecessary disruption, added bureaucracy, and loss of institutional knowledge without improving outcomes for students or families. Independent analyses have also raised concerns about the logistical challenges and implementation risks associated with transferring education programs midstream.
Importantly, keeping programs at the Education Department does not change funding levels or underlying policy. It simply ensures that programs funded by Congress are administered by the agency Congress designated to carry out these responsibilities.
Take Action
With Senate floor action expected soon, it is essential that Senators hear directly from constituents who support keeping education programs at the Department of Education.